This week’s show, “Solace of Nature,” is all about simple sensory experiences of the outdoors, walking trails, hearing birds and feeling wind, the beauty of stopping and starting an exploration through grass or mountains or a lakeshore. While most of us are at home more than usual, if we are able, these outings give us respite from seeing something outside our walls, away from the people we are with all the time, and if we are lucky, offer a meditation that clears the mind even for a moment.
What TTBOOK producers have noticed during this time, too, is we are sharing our yards and parks and city streets with some wild animals, who might be wondering why we are in their space.
While putting this show together, Anne and Steve’s Wi-Fi connection went down. The Internet disruptors turned out to be a band of squirrels who had chewed their way through some important wires.
Mark has become a gentle Mr. McGregor, carefully picking up baby bunny after baby bunny in a bucket and depositing them beyond his backyard — and three small dogs re-discovering their hunter instincts.
As if he knew he was representing the state of Wisconsin, a badger has started sunning himself on a cinder block on Joe's property.
Angelo has put up a bird feeder that needs daily refilling, especially with his tenacious local squirrels.
Charles, always one to be fascinated with ravens and crows, is bemused that two barred owls have taken up residence on his street.
I have watched a blank-faced opossum walk up our front steps and then back down, maybe checking to see if we were finally gone?
I’d love to hear your stories about how nature makes you feel these days, too, walks you are taking, or wild animals you are encountering. Email me at listen@ttbook.org.
–Shannon